What does it take to build a successful custom furniture business in just a few short years? This week on the Creative Makers Podcast, we’re joined by Hunter Locke of Black Tenon Furniture to find out. Based in Scarborough, Maine, Hunter has built an impressive reputation creating handcrafted custom furniture for clients across New England. From elegant bedroom furniture to massive conference tables, his work combines clean design, precision craftsmanship, and a relentless drive to improve with every project. We’ll dive into: 🪵 How Hunter got started in woodworking 🪑 Designing and building custom furniture for clients 📈 Growing Black Tenon Furniture into a successful business 🛠️ Lessons learned during his first six years as a professional woodworker 🎯 Pushing craftsmanship and continually improving your skills 🌲 Behind the scenes of The Maine Woodworking Event 🤝 Building community within the woodworking world ❓ Live audience Q&A Whether you’re a professional furniture maker, hobbyist woodworker, CNC enthusiast, or someone dreaming of turning your passion into a career, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and honest conversation. 👉 Join us LIVE and be part of the discussion in the chat! If you enjoy the show, please: 👍 Like the video 💬 Leave a comment with your questions for Hunter 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! Support the Creative Makers Podcast ❤️ Patreon: https://supportcmp.com 🎙️ New episodes stream LIVE every Sunday at 8 PM Eastern / 7 PM Central. Follow Hunter Locke 🌐 Website: https://www.blacktenonfurniture.com 📸 Instagram: / blacktenonfurniture ▶️ YouTube: / @blacktenonfurniture 🪵 The Maine Woodworking Event: https://www.themainewoodworkingevent.... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #CreativeMakersPodcast #HunterLocke #BlackTenonFurniture #Woodworking #FurnitureMaker #CustomFurniture #FineWoodworking #Woodworker #Maker #FurnitureDesign #Woodshop #Craftsmanship #TheMaineWoodworkingEvent #WoodworkingCommunity #MakersGonnaMake #DIYWoodworking #WoodworkingLife #Handcrafted #SmallBusiness #Podcast

One of the most recognizable voices in woodworking is a guest on the Creative Makers Podcast! This Sunday at 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central, we’re excited to welcome Brian “Sedge” Sedgeley from SedgeTool to the show! With more than 30 years of woodworking experience, Sedge has inspired thousands of makers through his educational content, demonstrations, and honest approach to the craft. From years as one of Festool’s premier educators to his current work with Rubio Monocoat, Sedge has helped woodworkers around the world build better projects and become better makers. He’s also one of the co-hosts of the Three Splinters Podcast, where woodworking, tools, and shop life are always on the agenda. We’ll be talking about: 🔹 Sedge’s woodworking journey 🔹 Building a career creating woodworking content 🔹 Shop tips, favorite tools, and techniques 🔹 Finishing with Rubio Monocoat 🔹 The maker community and what’s next 🔹 Viewer Q&A LIVE! Whether you’re just getting started in woodworking or you’ve been in the shop for decades, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Guest: Brian Sedgeley Website: YouTube: / sedgetool Instagram: / sedgetool Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #CreativeMakersPodcast #SedgeTool #BrianSedgeley #Woodworking #Woodworker #Maker #DIY #RubioMonocoat #Festool #WoodworkingCommunity #ThreeSplintersPodcast #MakerCommunity #ShopTalk #LivePodcast #YouTubeLive #Woodshop #FurnitureMaking #FineWoodworking #ContentCreator #Podcast

Pull up a chair and join us for another laid-back, unscripted Friday / Saturday Night Live Round Table Discussion from the shop! Every week the hosts of Creative Makers Podcast gather to talk all things making, building, creating, and the projects keeping us busy. Expect real conversations, shop talk, tools, techniques, industry news, lessons learned, wins, fails, and plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you’re a: 🪵 Woodworker ⚙️ Metalworker 🎨 Artist 🔧 Maker 🖨️ 3D Printing Enthusiast 🔥 Laser Creator 🏠 DIY Builder 🎸 Craftsperson …this is your place to hang out with fellow creators. 💬 Join us LIVE in the chat and tell us: • What are you working on this week? • What tools are you loving (or regretting)? • Any shop wins or workshop disasters? • What topics should we cover next? 🎙️ Creative Makers Podcast Live Every Weekend • Audio Episodes Available Weekly 📺 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a live show. #CreativeMakersPodcast #Woodworking #MakerCommunity #DIY #Woodworker #MakersGonnaMake #WorkshopLife #Woodshop #Craftsmanship #LivePodcast #Podcast #Makers #Metalworking #3DPrinting #LaserEngraving #CreativeCommunity

Tonight, we’re excited to welcome Brandon Smith, the maker behind Cross & Miter. Based in New York’s Hudson Valley, Brandon has built a reputation for creating beautiful custom furniture while sharing the realities of running a woodworking business with thousands of makers online. Through his YouTube channel and social media, he’s become known not only for his craftsmanship, but also for his honest approach to shop life, design, and the creative process. Brandon is also the co-founder of the Maine Woodworking Event, a growing gathering created by woodworkers, for woodworkers, bringing together makers from across the country to learn, connect, and celebrate the craft. Whether he’s building fine furniture, documenting his journey, or helping strengthen the woodworking community, Brandon continues to inspire makers at every skill level. Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean.com/ 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forg3d.store/ Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-products-launched-sys-grp-bench-grip-vacuum-pods Guest: Brandon Smith/Cross & Miter Website: https://www.themainewoodworkingevent.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossandmiter/ Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WackeyWorxWorkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewoodenmustache/ Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelBladeWoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteveI.Design #FineFurniture #WoodworkingBusiness #MakerCommunity #CrossAndMiter #BrandonSmith #FurnitureDesign #Woodshop #WoodworkingLife #WoodworkingProjects #SmallBusinessOwner #MakerMovement #ContentCreator #ShopTalk #WoodworkingPodcast #WoodworkingTips #WoodworkingEducation

If you’ve ever struggled with bandsaw setup, blade drift, resawing, or getting clean cuts, this is an episode you do NOT want to miss. Joining us live is the legendary Alex Snodgrass of Bandsaw Life—widely regarded as one of the world’s leading bandsaw experts. With more than 30 years of experience, multiple U.S. patents, partnerships with industry-leading brands like JET, Powermatic, Carter Products, Titebond, Woodcraft, Howard Products, and Woodpeckers, Alex has helped thousands of woodworkers unlock the true potential of one of the most versatile tools in the shop. From his famous bandsaw tuning methods and sold-out educational tours to his Bandsaw Life YouTube channel and hands-on classes across the country, Alex has built a reputation for turning frustrating bandsaws into precision machines. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned woodworker, chances are you’ve learned something from Alex’s teachings. 🎙️ During this episode we’ll discuss: ✅ The biggest bandsaw myths woodworkers still believe ✅ How to properly set up and tune a bandsaw ✅ Blade selection and avoiding drift ✅ Resawing secrets and cutting techniques ✅ The evolution of Bandsaw Life ✅ Working with major woodworking brands ✅ Teaching thousands of woodworkers across the country ✅ Alex’s favorite shop tips, projects, and lessons learned Whether you’re building furniture, cutting guitar parts, making bandsaw boxes, or just trying to get straighter cuts, this episode is packed with practical advice from one of the most respected educators in woodworking. 📅 LIVE Sunday at 8 PM Eastern / 7 PM Central 📺 Subscribe and join us live on the Creative Makers Podcast YouTube Channel! 👇 Tell us in the comments: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had with your bandsaw? Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Guest: Alex Snodgrass Website: https://bandsawlife.com/ Instagram: / alex.snodgrass Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #CreativeMakersPodcast #AlexSnodgrass #BandsawLife #Bandsaw #Woodworking #Woodcraft #Powermatic #JETTools #CarterProducts #Titebond #FineWoodworking #FurnitureMaking #MakerCommunity #WoodworkingPodcast #WoodworkersOfYouTube #WorkshopTips #BandsawTips #Resawing #WoodworkingLife #Maker

This week on the Creative Makers Podcast, we’re diving deep into Epoxy 101 for Makers. Whether you’re filling cracks in a woodworking project, creating custom castings, building serving boards, making coasters, embedding objects, or tackling your first epoxy project, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-world advice. We’ll discuss: ✅ Different types of epoxy and when to use them ✅ Deep pour vs tabletop epoxy ✅ Mixing ratios and common mistakes ✅ How to avoid bubbles, overheating, and failed pours ✅ Safety tips every maker should know ✅ Finishing, sanding, polishing, and repair techniques ✅ Our favorite epoxy products and shop tips We’ll also answer your questions LIVE and share some of the lessons we’ve learned from both successful projects and complete epoxy disasters! Whether you’re a woodworker, CNC enthusiast, laser maker, resin artist, furniture builder, or DIY creator, this episode will help you get better results and avoid costly mistakes. 🎙️ Creative Makers Podcast 📅 Sunday 🕗 8PM Eastern / 7PM Central 📍 LIVE on YouTube 👇 Join the conversation in the live chat and let us know: What’s your biggest epoxy success—or your biggest epoxy fail? Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #Epoxy #Woodworking #MakerCommunity #DIYProjects #ResinArt #RiverTable #CNC #CreativeMakersPodcast #Woodworker #MakersGonnaMake #WorkshopLife #MakerSpace #LiveStream #Podcast #DIY

This week on the Creative Makers Podcast, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges makers face—and it has nothing to do with tools, shop space, or budget. It’s us. From taking on too many projects and setting unrealistic expectations to overthinking every decision and chasing perfection, many of the obstacles standing between us and our best work are self-created. We’ve all been there: the unfinished projects, the endless planning, the fear of making mistakes, and the belief that one more tool will finally solve all our problems. Join us as we discuss the habits, mindsets, and behaviors that can hold makers back from reaching their potential. We’ll share personal experiences, lessons learned, and practical ways to get out of your own way and start making progress again. Topics Include: ✔️ Taking on too much work ✔️ Analysis paralysis ✔️ Perfectionism and fear of failure ✔️ Comparing yourself to others on social media ✔️ Tool obsession vs skill development ✔️ Breaking bad shop habits ✔️ Finishing what you start Whether you’re a hobbyist, side hustler, content creator, or full-time maker, this conversation might help you identify the biggest obstacle in your shop—and it may be staring back at you in the mirror. 👇 Let us know in the comments: What’s the biggest way you’ve gotten in your own way as a maker? Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #Woodworking #MakerCommunity #CreativeMakersPodcast #WoodworkingPodcast #MakersGonnaMake #DIYWoodworking #WorkshopLife #Woodshop #Craftsmanship #SmallBusiness #FurnitureMaking #ContentCreator #ShopTalk #MakerMindset

Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #Woodworking #MakerCommunity #CreativeMakersPodcast #WoodworkingPodcast #MakersGonnaMake #DIYWoodworking #WorkshopLife #Woodshop #Craftsmanship #SmallBusiness #FurnitureMaking #ContentCreator #ShopTalk #MakerMindset

Tonight on the Creative Makers Podcast, we’re joined by Ronnie Fulton of Fulton Fine Woodworks, a master craftsman based out of Georgetown, Kentucky. Ronnie shares his incredible journey from leaving the corporate world to building a thriving full-time woodworking business rooted in quality, precision, and innovation. Known for blending traditional woodworking techniques with modern technology, Ronnie creates stunning custom furniture, built-ins, large-scale residential and commercial projects, and even outdoor living spaces. Beyond the shop, he’s built a strong following by sharing project builds, tool insights, shop tips—and most recently, his boat-building adventures. Join us as we dive into Ronnie’s story, his approach to craftsmanship, the business of woodworking, and what it really takes to turn passion into a full-time career in the maker world. This is an episode packed with inspiration, knowledge, and real shop talk you don’t want to miss! Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #Woodworking #Woodworker #MakerCommunity #CustomFurniture #FineWoodworking #DIYWoodworking #Woodshop #Carpentry #FurnitureDesign #ShopTalk #ContentCreator #MakerLife #WoodworkingProjects #ToolReview #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #Craftsmanship #BuiltIns #OutdoorLiving #ModernWoodworking #CreativeMakersPodcast #LiveStream #YouTubeLive #WorkshopLife #BoatBuilding

This week on the Creative Makers Podcast, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most debated topics in the maker community—tool obsession vs skill. Are we becoming better craftsmen… or just better collectors of tools? From high-end table saws and CNC machines to hand tools and shop essentials, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking the next purchase will level up our work. But is that really the case? Or does true mastery come down to experience, practice, and honing your skills with what you already have? In this episode, the hosts break down the difference between investing in tools and investing in yourself. We’ll talk about the mindset behind constant tool upgrades, the pressure from social media and content creation, and whether having more tools actually leads to better results—or just more clutter. We’ll also explore: Can skill outweigh expensive equipment? What tools are truly worth the investment? If you lost your shop today, what would you rebuild with? Are makers focusing too much on gear and not enough on growth? Whether you’re a beginner building your first setup or a seasoned maker with a fully loaded shop, this conversation will challenge how you think about your tools, your skills, and your craft. Join us live, share your thoughts in the chat, and let’s settle the debate—what really makes a great maker? Creative Makers Podcast 1. Website: https://creativemakerspodcast.podbean... 2. Patreon: http://supportcmp.com Show Sponsor: Tyler Collier - FORG3D Instagram: / forg3d.store Website: https://forg3d.store/blogs/news/new-p... Matt Wackerle - Wackey Worx YouTube: / @wackeyworxworkshop Matthew - The Wooden Mustache Instagram: / thewoodenmustache Joey Gonzales - Steel Blade Woodworks YouTube: / @steelbladewoodworks Steve Iadarola - Steve i Design YouTube: / @stevei.design #woodworking #makersgonnamake #makercommunity #diyprojects #tooltalk #woodshop #craftsmanship #makerspace #handtools #powertools #cnc #buildsomething #woodworker #shoplife #creativeprocess #makerlife #tooladdict #diycommunity #skillovertools #contentcreator